Approximately 40 grams of the radioisotope iodine -131 were accidentally released into the atmosphere during the Fukushima nuclear accident.The half -life of iodine -131 is 8 days.How long would it take for there to be 10 grams of iodine -131 left in the environment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the half-life of iodine-131 is 8 days, we know that half of the initial amount (40 grams) will decay in 8 days to 20 grams. Another 8 days will pass for another half-life, resulting in 10 grams remaining. Therefore, the total time it takes for the amount of iodine-131 to decay to 10 grams is 16 days, making choice D the correct answer.

Approximately 40 Grams of the Radioisotope Iodine -131 Were Accidentally